Hans News Service Hyderabad

HealthMinister C Damodar Raja Narasimha on Wednesday said that the government would set up four additional Central Medicines Stores (CMS) in addition to existing two stores in the CURE area to strengthen the medicine supply system.

The Minister on Wednesday had a high-level review meeting at the Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Care Trust conference hall in Hyderabad regarding the functioning of Central Medicine Stores (CMS) managed by the Telangana State Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TGMSIDC).

During the meeting, the Minister directed TGMSIDC officials to prepare proposals for the construction of 15 permanent buildings for CMS centres. He wanted the officials to formulate guidelines ensuring transparency in the procurement of medicines, surgical items, reagents, and equipment.

To further enhance transparency in the tendering process, the Minister ordered the formation of three additional committees, bringing the total number of committees to five. The Minister directed the organisation's MD, Gaurav Uppal, to immediately transfer officials, who have been working in the organisation for a long time. He ordered the immediate appointment of nodal officers to regularly monitor the procurement of medicines, equipment, and civil works undertaken by TGMSIDC for the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) and Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP) hospitals.

Minister instructed officials to conduct a mandatory monthly review of medicines, equipment, surgical items, and reagents procured through tenders by TGMSIDC. The Minister directed officials to prepare and maintain a standard equipment list for hospitals at all levels, including Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Area Hospitals, and District Hospitals. Raja Narasimha stated that this measure would ensure uniformity across hospitals at all levels.

During the review, he affirmed the government's support for hemophilia patients and directed officials to provide the necessary monthly medication to them free of cost.

The Minister clarified that these medicines should be made available to patients through Government General Hospitals (GGH). Corporation officials informed the Minister that emicizumab, a medication used for hemophilia-A patients, was currently available at Osmania, Gandhi, and Niloufer hospitals. Minister directed officials to take measures to ensure the drug is also made available at the Government General Hospitals in Khammam and Warangal.